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Asus has long mooted the Eee PC's compatibility with Windows, despite its limited storage space and specification, and now it seems the company is ready to back up the claims by offering versions of its laptop with Starter and Home editions of XP, though Microsoft has confirmed that only the Starter Edition will be available in emerging markets.

As of yet there's no word on exactly when the Windows loaded machines will go on sale, or how much it will add to the cost of the machine, which is being marketed on its low cost.

Asus says the addition of Windows will allow its laptop to "accommodate educational and corporate requirements", though quite what the Linux community will make of this backhanded swipe remains to be seen.

A spokesperson for Microsoft says that its decision to offer Windows on the Eee PC is an attempt "to be sensitive and responsive to the rapidly growing demand for different computing options, including ultra low cost PCs."

The Eee PC is being offered in the UK through RM for £169.